How Louisiana Calculates Child Support
Louisiana uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares
Income-shares schedule based on combined adjusted gross monthly income and number of children; each parent's obligation prorated by income share; adjusted for shared custody and add-ons (childcare, health insurance, extraordinary medical/educational expenses).
Income Basis & Definitions
gross
Selects the base-support amount from the schedule.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.19: Schedule of basic child support obligationsParent A adjusted gross monthly income.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3): Adjusted gross income definitionParent B adjusted gross monthly income.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3): Adjusted gross income definitionParenting Time Handling
Calculator selects custody model and applies shared custody formula if applicable.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.9: Shared custody adjustmentNumber of days each parent has physical custody per year.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.9: Shared custody time calculationDeductions & Adjustments
Pre-existing child support obligations deducted from gross income.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.3: Preexisting support adjustmentSpousal support paid adjusts gross income for child support calculation.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315(C)(3)(d): Spousal support adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Net childcare costs added and allocated.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.6: Net childcare costsHealth insurance premium and extraordinary medical expense allocation.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.5: Health insurance costsCaps, Minimums & Deviations
Schedule caps at combined income; above-cap is court discretion.
Source: Schedule maximum income levelDeviation allowed for enumerated factors; requires findings.
Source: La. R.S. 9:315.1(B): Deviation factors